Rhubarb anyone? MLB skippers at war with umps
By Punch N. Judy
BaseballBigMouth.com baseball news
Not since Sparky Anderson’s tirade a couple decades ago at the Big A in Anaheim have I witnessed such a crop of rhubarb as brought to harvest in the last week of Major League Baseball.
First it was the minor league boob who threw a tirade that would have made Billy Martin blush, and then it was dust-ups by Jim Leyland, Lou Piniella and the usually mild mannered Terry Francona that followed, creating what must be an embarrassing situation for the powers that be in the commissioner’s office.
There are many reasons why a manager runs out to vehemently argue a call, not the least of which is to show your club how you’ll fight tooth and nail for their rights between the lines. It’s rare however that you see a winning team’s skipper rant and rave 10 minutes after they’ve gotten the heave ho. In Tiger manager Leyland’s case, he only retreated to the dugout because he had gone longer then 12 minutes between cigarettes.
Having witnessed an absolute slew of rotten calls by the men in blue this year, I must say the quality of umpiring nowadays is definitely below the standard. Not only that, but the confrontational demeanor of these arbiters makes you wonder who they think the fans are there to watch. It’s a turn-off to be sure and one that needs to be corrected before it adversely affects a pennant race.
The sky continues to fall on a Tiger pitching staff that is sure to be burned out by the All-Star break if a little good fortune isn’t soon in the offing. Good thing the offence has not only come around, but has developed into an absolute juggernaut. Judging by the impression of the opposition’s broadcasters, it’s hard to believe that this is the same club that perennially was a threat to lose 100 games every season. Pinch me.
Count me among the legion of Tiger fans anxiously awaiting the trade deadline. Surely a deal must be in the works involving a first baseman who can drive the ball a tad better than Sean Casey. No homers and under 20 RBI’s at this stage of the year? Gimme a break Gorilla.
Is Gary Sheffield wrong for spouting off in GQ, sounding like, let’s face it an out and out bigot? It depends on your perspective. Yeah there’s such a thing as freedom of speech, but there’s also a time to shut your mouth remember who the hand is that feeds you is. But then again if Sheff continues to maul pitchers at the rate he is going I wouldn’t care if he issued a State of the Union address each month.
Don’t forget to read to Curt Schilling’s blog tomorrow, it probably will eliminate the need to attend church this Sunday. Old Bloody Sock is sure to preach from his keyboard pulpit how Jesus relieved him in the seventh and nearly completed his almost no-hitter yesterday in Oakland.
Quote of the Week – “I never questioned the integrity of an umpire. Their eyesight, yes.” – Leo “The Lip” Durocher on his relationship with National League umpires.
Clown of the Week – Tiger starter Nate Robertson who could have used a squirting flower in his lapel with better results than the weak garbage he took to the mound the other night in Arlington. Six runs without recording an out? I don’t think I’ve ever seen that before.
Editor’s note - Baseball and Eggs will appear every Thursday, and serves as a form of self–therapy for this clinically insane baseball fan. The baseball part is self–explanatory. The eggs however, could pertain to just about anything on Punch’s mind from Wednesday to Wednesday. Good day all.